Jena Pickett Kauffmann

Jena Pickett Kauffmann, 70, of Corpus Christi, Texas, entered eternal life peacefully on March 13, 2026. She was a firstborn daughter who never met a stranger and embraced all the sparkly, fun things in life, especially those involving her friends and family. Her bright spirit is carried on by her son, Travis; her siblings; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; her YaYa sisters; and innumerable extended family and friends.

She was born in Corpus Christi on September 29, 1955, to Jeanie and D.W. (Steve) Pickett. She graduated from W.B. Ray High School. Jena attended Texas Tech University and was a loyal Red Raider fan, though she happily cheered alongside her dad for his OU Sooners and alongside Travis for his Texas A&M Aggies.

Jena loved people and was an engaged, active participant in life. She maintained close friendships from every stage of her life, always keeping loved ones informed and connected. People were drawn to her warmth, good nature, and joyful spirit. She had a magnetic personality that lit up a room, showed genuine interest in others, and was fully present in every moment. She was a best friend to many, making each person feel special and important. It was no surprise she was asked to be a bridesmaid in 26 weddings.

In 1990, Jena met the love of her life, Kyle Kauffmann. Within three short weeks, they were engaged and married on October 20, 1990. Nine months later, they welcomed their son, Travis, who brought more joy and love than they ever imagined possible. Jena and Kyle were his biggest fans in all his sports and activities, and they couldn't have been prouder. Their home became a welcoming hub for Travis and his numerous friends, who felt accepted, loved, and many often considered Jena a second mother. Being Travis's mom was the greatest joy and honor of her life and she delighted in being with him and celebrating all of his accomplishments and adventures.

Jena enjoyed a long career as an administrative assistant at Magcobar and later at TXO, where she formed deep and lasting friendships. After Travis was born she treasured her time as part of Page One Bookstore. In later years, she worked in the English department at W.B. Ray High School, where she took special joy in watching her son, nieces, and nephews during their high school years. Outside of family, she was active in many social groups, including Girl's and Junior Cotillion, Wednesday Study Club, Athena, Bunko groups, book clubs, and a myriad of other gatherings that brought her together with old and new friends.

Jena's vibrant personality was reflected in her eclectic and colorful home. Being an artist at heart, she filled her space with paintings, meaningful collections, and treasured tchotchkes, each holding special significance. Many friends received her hand-painted prayer rocks during difficult times - small but heartfelt expressions of her care. There was always a tray of crafts ready in her home, and her creativity and prayers touched countless lives. She also loved gardening, especially her hibiscus in every color, and took great pleasure in creating a beautiful backyard retreat beneath her oak tree.

In 1995, Jena attended a Walk to Emmaus retreat that deeply enriched her spiritual life and strengthened her faith. She went on to serve in multiple Emmaus walks and Journey to Damascus weekends, forming additional friendships along the way.

Jena experienced profound loss with the passing of her beloved husband, Kyle, in 2010, and she carried his memory with her always. She later found love again with B.J. Seal and lovingly cared for him during his battle with cancer, alongside his brother, Eddie, who became like family.

Jena cherished the people in her life and made it a priority to stay connected to each of them. She will be remembered with deep love and affection for the brilliant light she shared with everyone she encountered. Her kindness, generosity, sincerity, and positive outlook defined her life. She will, above all, forever remain in our hearts as a beautiful, elegant, and determined force of nature and a devoted mother. Her gracious spirit will live on through eternity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kyle Kauffmann; her fiancé, B.J. Seal; her parents, Jeanie and Steve Pickett; her great-nephew, Finn Anderson. She is survived by her son, Travis Kauffmann; siblings, Laurie (Charles) Gordon, Jim (Dana) Pickett, Jeff (Tricia) Pickett; and honorary sister, Phyllis Finley; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.